Related

TORONTO — Jack Layton was remembered Saturday for his determined vision of "a more inclusive and generous Canada," during a state funeral that produced a mix of tender moments and political rallying cries to carry on his work.

Family, friends, colleagues and longtime political rivals of the late NDP leader all filled Roy Thomson Hall, with hundreds more watching on screens in a nearby park.

In front of an audience filled with members of this country's political elite, former UN ambassador Stephen Lewis gave a charged eulogy for the 61-year-old Layton, who died Monday from cancer.

"His convictions and his courage were intertwined," Lewis told a crowd of 2,500 mourners that included Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Gov. Gen. David Johnston.

"He was so civil, so open, so accessible, that he made politics seem as natural and as good as breathing,"

Joining the VIPs were about 800 members of the public, many of whom lined up before dawn Saturday to get a bracelet to secure their spot at the service.

"Somehow Jack connected with Canadians in a way that vanquished the cynicism that corrodes our political culture," Lewis said.

"He connected whether you knew him or you didn't know him — whether you were with him or against him."

Lewis called Layton's farewell letter to Canadians, parts of which have been adopted as a call to action by supporters, "at its heart, a manifesto for social democracy" — drawing a sustained standing ovation from those in attendance. That ovation included the prime minister and Conservative cabinet ministers, who eventually rose from their chairs to join the crowd.

"In his very last hours of life, he wanted to give encouragement to others suffering from cancer; he wanted to share a larger, bolder more decent vision of what Canada should be . . . and again that defining phrase 'a more inclusive and generous Canada,'" Lewis said.

The ceremony had a sprinkling of different cultures, including an aboriginal blessing, a reading from the Qur'an, and eulogies in both of Canada's official languages.

Layton's love of music — he played the guitar, the piano and the harmonica — was also captured in the service.

It began with classical music, then a rendition of Van Morrison's Into the Mystic by Juno-winning saxophonist Richard Underhill sounding through the concert hall. Former Barenaked Ladies singer Steven Page performed, as did Lorraine Segato, who brought many to their feet, singing and clapping along, as she sang the anthem Rise Up, a song made famous by her group The Parachute Club.

The event capped off a final day of public mourning for Layton. His death five days earlier from cancer prompted an outpouring of emotion, from chalk-written farewells on sidewalks, to long lines of people paying their respects on Parliament Hill in Ottawa and at Toronto City Hall, where Layton first gained political prominence.

An estimated 11,000 people came to viewings while the body of the former leader lay in state on Parliament Hill for two days this week, and about 7,300 people passed through the doors of Toronto City Hall.

On Saturday, as a police honour guard carried Layton's casket from city hall, where he had been resting in repose, the crowd began spontaneously, then rhythmically clapping, as a chant of "thank you, Jack" grew.

"It's obviously been a very extraordinary and emotional week," Harper said as he welcomed those arriving at the funeral.

"Canadians, supporters and opponents alike have had an opportunity . . . to pay honour, to express their gratitude for Jack Layton's contribution to public life, and I hope all of this has been some comfort to his friends and family."

The service included a video tribute to Layton, showing images from throughout his political and private life, such as moments spent with his toddler granddaughter, Beatrice, as well as an statement from his widow, New Democrat MP Olivia Chow.

"We're sad, but let us not look behind us," she said in the tribute, the emotion briefly showing on her face.

"Look at what we can accomplish to make sure that Jack's voice is not silenced."

At times during the service, the prime minister's wife, Laureen, was seen dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.

Layton's children, Mike and Sarah, gave their own eulogy and painted a picture of a dedicated father, who always made time for them, and who was distinctly himself, no matter what others thought.

Mike, who has followed his father's footsteps in becoming a city councillor, described how his father refused to turn his back on a biking journey with his son, even though the route was nearly impassable.

"It's true he was never one to take an easy road," he said, as he shared the podium with his sister.

"You can wait forever for perfect conditions, he said, or you can make the best of what you've got now . . . . That's what he did every day of his life."

Layton's daughter, Sarah, described how he would often help her on the computer before his long work days.

"Dad, you did things that embarrassed us as kids: whistling while you walked . . . playing your saxophone, badly . . . your fashion sense, in those early years . . ."

Those moments, she said, are now precious memories.

"Dad, we love you."

Aside from the personal touches, those speaking at the ceremony repeatedly touched on the need to carry on the work and movement Layton had fronted for much of the past decade.

The end of the official program even had space for those in attendance to write down what they'd do to "make our world a better place."

"If the Olympics can make us prouder Canadians, maybe Jack's life can make us better Canadians," Rev. Brent Hawkes said.

"We can be one inclusive movement for a better a Canada."

The service was started in earnest by Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo.

"Please accept my condolences and the condolences from so many indigenous people from coast to coast to coast. Jack was a such man of the people," said Atleo, who was dressed in traditional aboriginal clothing.

He then offered Olivia a white eagle feather, which he described as the highest symbol of respect for leadership. Chow accepted the feather, and clutched it as she watched the proceedings.

"Dream no little dreams," Atleo ended, citing the quote Layton had often borrowed from the federal NDP's first leader, Tommy Douglas.

Aidan Fabius, a 34-year-old software developer said it was important to take his 18-month-old baby to watch the funeral

"We're here to celebrate Jack's life," he said, with his son, Ronan, hoisted on his shoulders.

Economist Grace Chirico, 32, called Layton "a man who taught us politics can be optimistic and progressive force, that you can do good and still believe."

"I knew there would be a response but I think everyone is surprised," he said of the reaction Layton's death has evoked. "But when the moral compass of your society leaves you, people are reminded of what you lost, and people shouldn't be so surprised."

Layton's ashes will be placed on Toronto Island, where they will be accompanied by a memorial tree. His remains also will be buried at St. James Cemetery in downtown Toronto.

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.